May Wrap-Up and June TBR

In the month of May, I read a total of 4 books.

The first book that I read this month was a nonfiction book about children who murder children, called Deadly Games: Kids Who Kill Kids. I'm really interested in crime nonfiction and forensic psychology, so this book appealed to me in that regard, but I'm going to warn you if you also like to read about these topics, this book is really hard to get through, because it's very descriptive and is about children killing which is something I had a hard time reading about after picking this book up.

Following that, I picked up a short fictional apocalyptic survival guidebook, Zombie Bible: A Zombie Guide to Surviving the Holocaust (Living as a Zombie, and Surviving to the End When a Vaccine is Delivered) - that is not for humans but rather for zombies. One of my favorite paranormal aspect in a book is zombies out of all of the paranormal creatures out there, and I think it has a lot to do with the setting of zombies typically featured in novels where the world has ended. It' not a book that I would recommend, not because it was horrible, because there were parts that were slightly funny, but because it's really repetitive, and if you can't handle a lot of repetition, then this book is not for you (which is why I didn't really like it that much).

The only book I listened to in the month of May was Woman in Cabin 10. I discovered Ruth Ware not that long ago, and am trying to get through all of her books that are currently out as soon as possible, and during this past month, I was able to get Woman in Cabin 10, and I have already started another one of her books, but I wasn't able to finish them both. I reviewed Woman in Cabin 10, and you can find that review here.

The last book I read in the month of May was a collection of poems by Caroline Kaufman, and that is Light Filters In. I really enjoyed this book, and I would highly recommend it because it's an amazing book, but definitely be careful because there are a lot of triggers in the book. WARNING: This book contains poems about self-harm, suicide, depression, and anxiety.

In the month of June, I am going to try to get more books done, but 9/10 my YA/MG TBR gets tackled a lot quicker, so even though there is a lot that I want to read, I am going to stick with five. Two out of the five, I have already started, and am just trying to complete. The problem with trying for so many books this month is my weird schedule. I am starting a new job this month, and for an entire week, I have no free time at all so we will see how much I get done.

The books that I am aiming at finishing in the month of June are Lying Game and Anatomist's Wife. These two are definitely two that I want to finish in the month of June, and if there are only two books that I get to read, these are the two.

Three other books that I would love to get to during this month are Anatomy of Death (also known as Dissection of Murder), Anatomist's Apprentice, and Silent in the Grave. I have been in the mood for historical mysteries of late, and these are a few that I stumbled upon while looking at my library.

In my TBR, I am also going to include some potential audiobooks that I might have time for when driving and doing other tasks, and I am not going to list any by name because I have so many that I would love to read.

Blitz + Excerpt and Giveaway: Hands of the Colossus by Nicole Grotepas

Hands of the Colossus: A Steampunk Space Opera Adventure
Nicole Grotepas
(A Holly Drake Job, #2)
Publication date: May 31st 2018
Genres: Adult, Science Fiction, Steampunk

One massive shadow organization. One bad ass heroine. 

Holly Drake just wants a simple thing–to destroy the Shadow Coalition and the evil at the heart of their business. Using tip-offs from the secretive government official pulling her strings, Holly and her crew swoop in, break up the cash drops and steal the money. If one or two baddies die on accident, no big loss. Right? Holly could do this forever, picking the Coalition apart till not even bones remain. 

Until someone goes missing. In that moment, everything changes. 

To save the victim, Holly and her team will put everything on the line to penetrate the mysterious Shadow Coalition and stab at their enigmatic leadership: the Hands who protect the Heart. Treacherous journeys across the 6-moon system in space-zeppelins, dangerous infiltrations of the Coalition, bartering with thieves, and relying on the seedy underbelly of the 6-moons. Anything it takes.

But … is the whole set up a trap? How many snares will Holly and her crew have to spring to the save just one victim? 

This is Holly Drake and her crew of thieves. If they have to, they’ll go into the hornet’s nest to get the job done. But will it be their final job? 

The Hands of the Colossus features a snarky, strong, bad ass heroine fighting against the odds to save the helpless.

If you don’t like seeing a woman experience self-doubt, overcome obstacles, and then dominate, this book is not for you.

Love strong female leads, an entertaining cast of characters, and adventure? Then grab your copy today!

Goodreads / Amazon

EXCERPT:

“What do you think, Trip?” Holly Drake asked. She glanced at the pilot of the ship the SC Olavia Apollo. The female was a Centau, which Holly would have never imagined using in her life. However, tech genius crew-member Darius had sworn that she wouldn’t compromise the operation and turn over their illegal activities to the Centau leadership. Despite his scoundrel ways, Darius had proven himself enough that Holly trusted him. “Can you do it?”
The Centau turned to the stare at Holly, where she sat in the co-pilot seat, and smirked. “‘Think I can do it?’ What sort of question do you ask me, Drake?”
“A nervous question. I hate space-flight.”
“Yes. So you’ve said. Repeatedly.” Trip’s dark gaze flickered over Holly’s face, then went back to the monitor.
Charly was already suited up in the air-lock and waiting, while Odeon was strapped in behind Holly, humming. This mission wasn’t the sort that lent itself to drinking for nerves. Was it a terrible thing to ask her Druiviin friend that he hum to help her through the ordeal?
Probably. But there weren’t a lot of options at the moment.
“You needn’t worry the least. Centau ships are the most advanced in the known galaxies. He’s mapping the gravity of this misshapen moon as we approach for landing. It won’t even be rough. And I will have very little to do with the actual landing. It is in the hands of the Olavia Apollo’s AI.” Trip gestured at the video image of the moon on the monitor as they approached.
It was a small one, indeed. Around seven and a half miles at its longest and as lumpy as a potato-tuber hybrid. Darkness and unfiltered sunlight gave the moon’s surface relief, revealing its pockmarks, scars, and vast gouges. There were several transponders attached to the surface. These transponders were what had brought Holly and her team to the small moon in the first place.
Holly held her breath as their ship, in some mysterious advanced physics and engineering, slowed upon nearing the touchdown. A low noise began suddenly, whining through the background sounds of the ship’s systems. Holly looked around, panic rising as the danger seemed to grow.
“What is that?” she whispered, clutching the hard cushion of the edge of her seat.
A calming violet hand appeared on her shoulder. She could see it in her peripheral vision.
“It is you, Holly Drake,” Odeon said. There was a song in his voice, and a slight tone of humor. “Peace. You are nervous. All will be fine.”
Trip’s gaze was also on Holly.
“Shouldn’t you be watching this landing?” There was a definite edge in Holly’s tone. No peace at all.
“The AI. If I interfere, I could ruin the landing. Olavia Apollo has it.” Trip nodded at the sleek control board. “Don’t worry.”
The first time they’d ridden with Trip, Holly had expected wood, brass, and a large steering wheel—like the space zeppelins. Not at all what she found. Instead the small space cruiser was something right out of the future. Trip barely even piloted it.
That didn’t stop the Centau from wearing a white jumpsuit with patches on the upper arms and a pair of goggles with amber tinted lenses. Right now the eye-pieces were on top of Trip’s ivory stubble-covered head as she watched the surface of the moon float toward their ship on the video image on the screen.
“What is it you want to do with the transponders?” Trip asked. She watched the video footage onscreen as they moved closer to the surface.
A knot tightened in Holly’s gut. Her stomach stretched taut. Her shoulders arched back against her seat slightly. Odeon’s hand burned through her jacket, seeming to heat up as the tension tore through her body. She wasn’t sure what she feared—crashing too hard into the unforgiving surface of the moon or their ship ripping apart and sending them all careening into the void of space, like flecks of ice off one of the un-terraformed ice moons of Ixion. The one they were about to land on was one of the few asteroid-like moons, and therefore peppered with transponders on all sides, repeating audio and video signal through the 6-moon system.
If Odeon’s hand hadn’t been there, if Odeon’s low song hadn’t been worming its way into her ears, digging deep into her brain, pirouetting across her neurons like an ancient earth-ballet dancer, soothing her like a pied-piper of lore, Holly knew that she would have been nothing more than a puddle of adrenalin, dispersed through the low-G-interior of the ship, floating around like rain drops.
She did not like space-flight.
The ship balanced, thrusters fired, a harpoon-like anchor ejected and tethered their ship to the rock and they connected with the moon in a light thud, touching down.


Author Bio:

I'm passionate about human rights, animal rights, and living life with no regrets. I love how becoming a parent has deepened my devotion to making the world a better place. I do that best by crafting stories that attempt to answer hard questions--the ones I think about most--while also being entertaining and fun. I live in a landscape that reminds me of my place in the universe, under an endless sky and towering mountains that are older than human memory, and I love it here. 

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Blitz + Trailer, Excerpt, and Giveaway: Pink Slips by Emma J. Wolfe

Pink Slips
Emma J. Wolfe
Publication date: Summer 2018 (relaunch)
Genres: Adult, Romance

Happily married and the head of a prestigious ad agency’s venture capital division, Hope Hunter has it all. Then, disaster strikes as an attack on her reputation ends her marriage and puts her career in jeopardy.

Hurting and still recovering from a whirlwind affair with a man who reveals an unforgivable secret, Hope flees Chicago for London, England. There, she tries to pull herself together and decide what, if anything, of her old life is worth fighting for.
They say you can’t have it all, and the events of the last few months seem to be trying to prove that. Hope’s not ready to give up, however. After all, where is it written that a woman must choose between passionate love and an exciting career?
A story about beating the odds, Pink Slips is the first installment in Emma J. Wolfe’s Hope Hunter Chronicles.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble

EXCERPT:

The next morning, she awoke with an odd feeling of vigor and excitement. Somehow the turn of events made her happy. How that could be, she was not sure, but she felt inspired—hopeful—in a way she had not for so long. Finally, she would be free of David; he would no longer abuse her emotionally. Her future was ahead of her. Her marriage was over…but so was a caging relationship that kept her from real happiness. Being alone would be better than being with him. She was about to launch one of the most successful new companies focused on the new condition of a contemporary woman. She would bring a voice to so many. She would channel her pain into helping others—and maybe even herself. And now, thankfully, David had cheated, and so she didn’t have to. She could escape and be free—free to live and to love.
She wore her favorite blue Armani suit that day with beautiful nude pumps and a matching Valentino handbag. She piled on as much eye serum as she could to hide the evidence of the tears and shame from the night before. She wasn’t sure if she should go home first or not, but she decided not was a better answer. She threw all her things in the trunk of her car, unsure where she would spend the night but certain today would bring something new and better. I have my courage and conviction. I have me, Hope, she thought. No pun intended.
Today, she thought, would change everything.


Author Bio:

Emma J. Wolfe is a technology entrepreneur and attorney. She is currently working on the second installment of the Hope Hunter Chronicles, Southern Life.

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Blitz + Teaser and Giveaway: Dating Rules by Keeley Holmes

Dating Rules
Keeley Holmes
Publication date: May 29th 2018
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Romance

Losing control is not an option for Izzy Shaw, something past experience has taught her. When you’re not in control, bad things happen. So when Parker Cole comes bustling into her life with his carefree manner, no full time job and his terrible Hawaiian shirts, she knows she should stay away.
For Parker, seeing Izzy at Penelope’s wedding stirred something in him. Izzy intrigues him. She’s attracted to him but she holds back and she doesn’t realise he sees this as a challenge. Usually when he wants something, he goes for it.
For Izzy, being attracted to a man and allowing herself to act upon it is defined by her rules. She lives by her rules, they protect her…
Parker is a rule breaker.
Over the course of 10 dates Parker has to persuade Izzy that he’s worth the risk, he has to persuade her that sometimes life doesn’t have to be all about rules, sometimes you have to walk on the edge to really appreciate living…
He will prove this to her, one date at a time.

Goodreads / Amazon / Kobo 

Author Bio:

I've loved reading and writing since before I can remember. It's always been a passion of mine to write for people and for them to enjoy my work.
​
I'm currently writing my way through an adult series and thinking about what I can do for the Young Adult/New Adult scene. There's always ideas floating around in my head.
​
When I'm not writing I'm reading or watching films and enjoying time with my boyfriend, little dog and family. 

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Tour + Review and Giveaway: Ride With the SEAL by Leslie North

Ride With the Seal
Leslie North
(Norse Security, #1)
Publication date: May 24th 2018
Genres: Adult, Romance, Suspense

When ex-SEAL Camden Thursday enters the garage at two in the morning, he’s intent on grand theft auto. Instead he’s confronted with more than a hot car—there’s a sexy mechanic too. His high school crush, wrench in hand, projects a “Dangerous Curves Ahead” warning far more tempting than any joy ride, but Camden isn’t here to try the road less traveled. He’s here to jack a car and prove he can do more than manipulate computer code for the black ops service he works for: Norse Security. So while Camden is looking to get physical on this job, he was hoping for someone to punch, not someone to plunder…
Everly Knight is the baddest bad girl in town. As the daughter of a mobster and a name in the auto industry for hot cars, she could rest on her laurels and let her reputation proceed her. However, Everly has a deep dark secret: she wants nothing more than a shiny, new, legal garage all of her own. She’s just a few thousand away from cashing in and figures that one last illegal car theft could finance her legal dreams. That is until the geek from her past shows up as a hunky hero; letting Everly see that it’s possible to become more than just a tough girl.
Camden may be all muscle, but it’s Everly who can stall the entire operation. She holds him hostage and offers an ultimatum: Take her on the ride or find himself a sitting duck for the mob. It’s not a hard choice when the bombshell revs his engine. But with warring goals and secret missions, they’ll find themselves fighting for their futures and racing toward a love they never saw coming.

Goodreads / Amazon

Review:

4 stars

I absolutely loved reading Ride With the SEAL by Leslie North, it was the perfect blend of romance, action, and suspense. It was the perfect book for what I was wanting in a book at this time; while at the same time not being completely what I was expecting.

I loved Camden and Everly. They were both really strong characters, with personalities that clicked and chemistry you could feel as you were reading this book. They are one of the best fictional couples that I have read this year.

I would highly recommend this novel if you are a fan of suspenseful romance, because this is one book that won't disappoint.

Author Bio:

Leslie North is the pen name for a critically-acclaimed author of women's contemporary romance and fiction. The anonymity gives her the perfect opportunity to paint with her full artistic palette, especially in the romance and erotic fantasy genres.
The truth of the matter is she loves her fictional persona, Leslie North, more than her normal, day-to-day persona! Her bestselling books focus on strong characters and particularly women who aren't afraid to challenge an alpha male. Inspired after years of travel, her stories are set all over the world, from the tough streets of Russia to the beautiful beaches of the middle east.
Leslie fell in love with romance when she first picked up a scrappy, dog-eared romance book from her local library. She began writing soon after and the rest, as they say, was history. She now lives in a cozy cottage on the British coast and enjoys taking long walks with her two Dalmatians, George and Fergie.
She LOVES reader feedback, and if you have any comments, don't hesitate to contact her via e-mail: leslie@leslienorthbooks.com. 

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Blast + Giveaway: Chronicles of Royal High: Lost Noble by R. Liftin

Chronicles of Royal High: Lost Noble by R. Litfin

In the world of Edenarth, faerie technology has advanced the realms immeasurably. Crystal ball communications, magic mirror displays, and portals for fast travels are just some of the things that faeries have engineered to allow for human consumption – at the right price, of course. Politically, countless kingdoms and realms vie for power and prestige. It is a world filled with mysterious mermaids, fearsome ogres and trolls, clueless humans, terrifying dragons, syndicates and pirates, faeries and magic.

In the realm of Kelemer, Adella lives a life of peasantry with her parents, always hiding from a shadow no one will name. One night, she is visited by a grandmother whom she never knew existed: Queen Cassandra Everheart, ruler of the kingdom of Adamaris, the neighboring ocean realm to the south. After years of hiding, Adella learns why her family has been hunted as Cassandra apologizes for banishing Adella’s father for marrying outside of the royal blood line. Adamaris has since been bereft of an heir, and with Adella being the rightful crown princess, she is presented with the choice to leave and attend Royal High, a finishing academy for royals.

Naturally, Adella is stunned, but reluctantly agrees, and soon finds herself in the halls of Royal High along side other young royals from across the realms. But a strange darkness haunts Adella in the shadows of the school, and through a series of increasingly threatening events, Adella finds that not everyone is as they appear in the world of royals. For under the surface of all kingdoms, a terrible and dark force is rising. An ancient race of dragons, once thought vanquished by five guardians of light, are fighting to break free from their thousand year exile.

Can Adella understand what her dreams are telling her before it is too late? Or will the darkness consume everything she loves?

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY

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FANTASTIC NEWS BOOK NERDS!! We have an awesome E-Book Sale for R. Litfin’s  THE CHRONICLES OF ROYAL HIGH: THE LOST NOBLE running from MAY 21st 11:59 pm (PST) until May 24th, 2018 JUST FOR $1.99!

THE LOST NOBLE Can be purchased on --->AMAZON<---

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Having been born into a family of nerds from a slice of The Shire in Northern California, Rachel Litfin cultivated a love of all things fantasy from a very young age. Inspired by dressing up with her family at renaissance faires, to losing herself in Tolkien, to playing World of Warcraft into the wee hours of the morning, Rachel created the very beginnings of The Chronicles of Royal High in her freshman English class. You can find her today in the realm of Southern California, often adventuring her way through Disneyland, reading by firelight, swimming in the ocean like a mermaid, and, of course, writing about the many stories that exist within Edenarth.

PHOTO CREDIT: ED LITFIN

TWITTER: @R_Litfin

GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17762681.R_Litfin

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/RLitfin/

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/rachellitfin/

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--Giveaway is open to International. | Must be 13+ to Enter

- 2 Winners will receive a Copy of THE CHRONICLES OF ROYAL HIGH: THE LOST NOBLE by R. Litfin.

- 1 Winner will receive a $25.00 Amazon/PayPal Gift Card.

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ENDS: JUNE 15, 2018

Tour + Excerpt and Giveaway: Bound by Alexandrea Weis & Lucas Astor

Bound
Alexandrea Weis & Lucas Astor
(A Magnus Blackwell Novel #2)
Published by: Vesuvian Books
Publication date: April 17th 2018
Genres: Adult, Supernatural

Magnus Blackwell’s past is about to catch up with him.
An evil force has seized New Orleans. Pestilence, suffering, and darkness cloak the city. The citizens are scared and need their mambo to guide them, but Lexie Arden can’t help anyone. A diabolical presence has taken Lexie’s power and severed her ties with the other side.
Magnus Blackwell is fighting demons of his own. Torn between his devotion to Lexie and a spirit from his past, Magnus’s loyalty is put to the test. He must revisit his sins to uncover the key to the hatred ripping the city apart. If he doesn’t, Lexie’s reign as mambo will end.
Their search for answers leads them deep into the darker realms of voodoo—until a desperate Lexie does the unthinkable, and Magnus can do nothing to spare her from her fate.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble

Excerpt:

Confounded by what was happening, Magnus went to the green water at the swamps’ edge along the side of the house. Raindrops created ripples on the stagnant water. Their concentric circles grew, intersecting in swells, releasing voices in their wake.

Magnus paced at the slimy green bank, attempting to make sense of the strange sounds. The cries of men, women, and children rose up and overwhelmed him.

“Save us!” a woman shrieked.

“Please, help me. I want to be free,” a man’s husky voice entreated.

“Take me away from this hell,” a high-pitched wail begged.

The voices built around Magnus, crowding his ears, imploring him to rescue their tormented souls. He had never heard such noises from anyone.

A vision of his Frannie hurtling over the cliff’s edge at Altmover Manor replayed in his head. The sound she made as she toppled to the rocks below resembled the pitiful cries of the spirits around him. Magnus closed his eyes, disgusted by the memory.

When his eyes opened, he scampered backward. In the boggy water, hundreds of bodies floated in various stages of decomposition. Arms, hands, legs, and torsos bobbed on the surface. The woman in black he’d seen with Lexie stood at the water’s edge, calling to the dead to wake from their soggy tombs.

Horrified by the agony he saw on their contorted faces, Magnus wanted to obliterate the vision by returning to his shadowy realm, but he couldn’t tear himself away. The images of body parts and broken souls held him captive as bitter waves of anger and anguish rolled off the water.

“Your master’s in danger.”

Magnus spun around.

A little girl in a long white nightgown trimmed in yellow ribbon stood next to him. Down the front, a stain of burnt red went all the way to her bare feet. She held a dirty teddy bear in her arms, but when she peered up at him, a gaping wound across her throat exposed the bone underneath.

Magnus didn’t know if he could believe the phantom before him. Spirits had never reached out to him before. This was Lexie’s realm. Why did he suddenly have her gift?

“Are you real?”

“Yes, sir. Very real, just like you.”

He knelt down beside the child. “What is your name?”

“Mattie. I died in the swamp when I was six. The mistress has me enslaved to do her bidding.”

He touched the nose of the teddy bear in her arms. His fingers passed through the toy. “What mistress?”

“The Lady La Fay. The one who called your master to her side.”

Magnus examined her gray skin and sunken eyes. “I don’t have a master.”

She pointed to the cottage. “You’re bound to the woman who went inside. She’s your master and the one who controls your fate. We are all bound to those who work the dark realm. You’ll see.”

Author Bio:

Lucas Astor is from New York, has resided in Central America and the Middle East, and traveled through Europe. He lives a very private, virtually reclusive lifestyle, preferring to spend time with a close-knit group of friends than be in the spotlight.
He is an author and poet with a penchant for telling stories that delve into the dark side of the human psyche. He likes to explore the evil that exists, not just in the world, but right next door behind a smiling face.
Photography, making wine, and helping endangered species are just some of his interests. Lucas is an expert archer and enjoys jazz, blues, and classical music.
One of his favorite quotes is: “It’s better to be silent than be a fool.” ~Harper Lee (To Kill a Mockingbird) 

Alexandrea Weis is an advanced practice registered nurse who was born and raised in New Orleans. Having been brought up in the motion picture industry, she learned to tell stories from a different perspective and began writing at the age of eight. Infusing the rich tapestry of her hometown into her award-winning novels, she believes that creating vivid characters makes a story memorable. A permitted/certified wildlife rehabber with the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries, Weis rescues orphaned and injured wildlife. She lives with her husband and pets in New Orleans.

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